Children and Youth

At St. Andrew's, our deep commitment to respecting and valuing all persons extends joyfully to the youngest members of our congregation. We strive to offer a caring environment where children can find ways to know God, ask questions and grow into faith. 

First Sundays
Do you remember the days of being assigned to the kid’s table at Thanksgiving? What did it take to graduate to the realm of adults? High school or college graduation? Getting married? Having a child? Sure, for a while the kid’s table can be fun. But there quickly becomes a day when it’s not - it becomes an annoyance, a line of division. So often in the church, we gather around the tables that have been set for us without questioning them. Kids over here, youth there, 20’s and 30’s in the basement, older adults in the side room. This fall we want to take away the tables - at least for the first Sunday of the month. 

On the first Sunday of each month, we invite all ages to gather in the parish hall where we will learn, play and grow together. Each month we will explore one aspect of our shared liturgy that occurs in our Eucharist service with the goal of enriching our shared worship. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the first Sundays starting October 3rd at 9:30am. Whether you are 3, 23, or 83, you have something to offer the church, and we look forward to learning with and from you!
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Second Sundays
On the second Sunday of each month we invite children to participate in one of our church school rooms from 9:30am-10:15am:​

Three years old - Kindergarten
Our youngest members are invited to play, listen, and wonder together through Godly Play. Godly Play is a curriculum of spiritual practice exploring the mystery of God’s presence in our lives. It seeks to engage what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into—and pursuing us in the midst of—Scripture and spiritual experience. Godly Play practice teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in our lives.

First - Fifth Grade
Elementary school students will gather monthly using the Story Makers curriculum to explore a Bible story through art, story telling and drama. Creativity and Play are ways in which we can plant the words and imagery of the Bible deep in the hearts of our children. Not simply as memorization, but as truth to call upon when life reveals itself to be impossibly lived outside of Christ. By sharing God’s Story through play, access to life in full color is given. 
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Youth Group
This Fall we are combining forces with other nearby churches to form the Near Westside Youth Collective. We will gather once a month for food, fun, learning and mischief. If your student is interested in attending or you would like to learn more information, contact Mtr. Melesa at associate@standrews-madison.org.

Sunday, October 16th | Near West Youth Collective
5:00-6:30pm @ St. Andrew’s

Friday, October 22nd | Near West Youth Collective
7:00pm-9:00pm @ Vitense Mini Golf

Sunday, November 14th | Near West Youth Collective
5:00-6:30pm @ Faith Community Bible

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Lectors and Acolytes
Children in third grade and up are invited to participate as leaders in our Sunday worship services through acolyting and serving as lectors. Training is offered for both roles, and mistakes are expected! 

Nursery Care - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The nursery is open on Sundays from 9am-11am for children 0-3 years of age. Children are invited into a safe, caring environment in which two adults are always present.

Family Nights - TEMPORARILY PAUSED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Family nights are casual, monthly gatherings were families of young children are invited to come to St. Andrew's to enjoy a simple dinner, play and watch a movie while parents chat.  

Safe Church Policies
To read about our policies designed and upheld to protect our youngest members, please click here.